Like anything else, auto transport goes through its phases and trends, and providers can fall to the wayside if they aren’t committed to staying competitive. In the interest of gaining traction in the auto transportation market, Guardian Auto Transport, a California auto transport provider, stays ahead of the game by keeping up-to-date on the latest in transport technology. If you’re ready to load your car up or join the business, here are six trends defining auto transportation in the first half of the decade.
Sustainability & climate-friendly transport
Climate change is a significant problem that only grows more problematic over time. One of the primary contributors to CO2 emissions is motor vehicles, especially diesel trucks like those used for auto transport. Auto transport providers are gradually moving towards more sustainable practices, beginning with their trucks. Some companies have switched to using hybrid or electric vehicles or have started building trucks with lower-emission engines. With these changes comes higher prices for auto transport, but it’s worth a bit of extra green to take the green-friendly route to ship your car.
More auto transport on the road
As services like Carvana and Vroom steadily increase their clientele, the need for auto transport technology goes up even more. No-contact car delivery, or car vending machines, thrived in 2020-2021 due to COVID-19. This safe practice is here to stay, though, meaning more transport trucks on the roads and a driver shortage.
Labor changes
2020 hit everyone hard, and the trucking industry is no exception. Since the pandemic, driver shortages have plagued the industry, leading to shortfalls in almost every product on the market. To restore the number of drivers the auto transport industry had, several internal changes need to be made, such as:
Higher pay Newer, safer vehicles More rest days
If these changes can be implemented and enforced, the demand for auto transport can finally flourish, meaning happier customers and lower prices.
Lighter, more efficient materials
Cars are not as heavy as they used to be, and that is because of the technology used to produce lightweight materials. Lighter cars for auto transport providers lead to fewer emissions, faster trucks, and short delivery times. These fiberglass materials are also applicable to auto transport trucks, which can increase fuel efficiency tremendously.
Cloud technology
The cloud might be a mystery to some, but in the trucking industry, it’s allowing everyone to stay on the same page about what vehicles are where. Companies that utilize the cloud can access information, regulations, processes, and product specificities all in one place. Auto transport providers can use this information for faster delivery and ensure the cars onboard stay in peak condition.
Self-driving trucks
It may seem impossible, but self-driving auto transport trucks are the way of the future. Self-driving cars have seen a massive increase in popularity, and if it works for vehicles, there has to be a way for the technology to work with trucks, too. Self-driving trucks would mean less risk of driver shortages, reduced driver injury, and more efficient travel times. While this would mainly benefit employees, the consumer would benefit from shorter wait times.
Wrap up
Technology influences every field, from healthcare to logistics. In the auto transport industry, it is a necessity, and the above trends reflect how different the car shipping industry would be without the cyber revolution. With efficient, cloud-based management systems and hybrid trucks, the auto transport industry has the potential to revolutionize how we transport what transports us.
